Obsolete technology

May 2, 2014

Michael Maloney/The Chronicle

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Coin-operated anything

The coin-operated devices I've come across fall into three categories: the functional, the thief, and the confused. The functional devices are usually vending machines that won't accept my paper currency. The thieves don't seem to register that they just ate a coin. The confused coin-operated devices spit back the exact type of coin they wanted. With effort and patience, those guys can usually be convinced to take quarters.

Michael Maloney/The Chronicle

8of13

Coin-operated anything

The coin-operated devices I've come across fall into three categories: the functional, the thief, and the confused. The functional devices are usually vending machines that won't accept my paper currency. The thieves don't seem to register that they just ate a coin. The confused coin-operated devices spit back the exact type of coin they wanted. With effort and patience, those guys can usually be convinced to take quarters.